Serious skin rash virus found in California. Stanislaus confirms mpox case
Health officials reported cases of the disease mpox in Southern California and Stanislaus County, raising concerns about person-to-person transmission of the virus, which often spreads through intimate contact.
The California Department of Public Health said three unrelated cases of clade I mpox were identified in Long Beach and Los Angeles County. The individuals had not recently traveled outside the country and most likely contracted the illness through local transmission, a CDPH news release said. The three people infected were hospitalized.
In the past, clade I mpox cases in the United States have been linked to people traveling to foreign countries where the virus was spreading. This type of mpox is more likely to cause serious illness and can be fatal, especially for people with compromised immune systems.
Stanislaus County public health officials recently confirmed a local case of clade II mpox. County staff are working on a case investigation, follow-up and guidance, said Kamlesh Kaur, a spokesperson for the county Health Services Agency.
“We are currently gathering more information on potential exposure and contacts,” Kaur said by email Wednesday. “This is our first confirmed case since January 2024.”
Mpox infections cause flulike symptoms and a rash leading to sores, blisters and scabs. The rash may last for two to four weeks.
The clade I type is more serious than clade II, which spurred a global outbreak in 2022 and has a 1% to 4% mortality rate. Mortality for clade I is upward of 10%, according to the Johns Hopkins school of public health.
Mpox viruses are spread through close contact with an infected person. CDPH said the California cases indicate clade I mpox is primarily affecting “communities of gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with men, as well as their social networks.”
Assistant state Public Health Officer Dr. Rita Nguyen said: “As we continue to monitor the situation, it is crucial for Californians to stay informed and take preventive measures, especially persons who are more likely to be exposed to mpox.”
Mpox can be transmitted through physical contact including massages, cuddling or sex, or through skin-to-skin contact with the rash, scabs or body fluids that touched the sores, the news release said. The risk extends to those sharing a living space or personal items with an infected person.
The virus is unlikely to spread through casual contact inside stores, airplanes or other modes of transportation.
The state recommended prevention measures including:
- Not having sex or close contact if a partner has mpox symptoms, such as a new or unexplained rash or sores.
- Reducing the number of sexual or close-contact partners if sexual history is unknown.
- A limit on attending sex or circuit parties with intimate contact with multiple people.
- Use of condoms or gloves during sex.
- Don’t share toothbrushes, towels, clothes or bedding.
CDPH advised health care providers to make assessments for mpox exposure risk and vaccination at all sexual health visits. Patients with signs and symptoms should be tested.
A vaccination for both types of mpox is available. CDPH recommended the vaccine for people who are gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, those with HIV or are taking PrEP or doxy PEP. It’s recommended for anyone anticipating sexual contact while traveling to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East or a country with a clade I mpox outbreak, the news release said.
A vaccination also is recommended for someone attending a sex club or bathhouse. Two doses are recommended. The vaccine can be effective if received soon after mpox exposure.
For an mpox vaccination, CDPH suggests asking a healthcare provider or local pharmacy, or checking the Mpox Vaccine Locator map.
The county Health Services Agency’s Mpox Vaccine page directs people to the Public Health Immunization Clinic, 1524 McHenry Ave., Modesto, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments are preferred, by calling 209-558-7700.
